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Beyond Downhill: Winter Activities in Vail
While Vail is celebrated worldwide for its 5,289 acres of downhill skiing, the resort offers a dense ecosystem of non-skiing winter recreation. From high-altitude mountain coasters and Bavarian hydrotherapy spas to lighted outdoor village ice rinks and Nordic trail systems, non-skiers and rest-day athletes find exceptional off-mountain depth.
High-Alpine Winter Adventure
Adventure Ridge Snow Park
High-altitude winter activity park located at 10,350 feet at Eagle's Nest (accessed via Eagle Bahn Gondola). Features a multi-lane groomed snow tubing hill with covered lift carpet, the Forest Flyer alpine mountain coaster winding through snow-laden pines, and guided kids snowmobile tracks.
Tips: Gondola ride is included with activity ticket or Epic Pass. Advance online reservations required for weekend tubing sessions; dress in full snow gear.
Vail Nordic & Snowshoe Center
Over 17 kilometers of groomed skate and classic cross-country trails plus 10 kilometers of snowshoe routes across the snow-covered Vail Golf Club. Full rental fleet, daily group lessons, and soup café.
Tips: Trail passes and rental gear available on walk-in basis at the clubhouse. Easily reached via the free Town of Vail East Vail bus loop.
1. Adventure Ridge at Eagle's Nest
Perched at 10,350 feet at the summit of the Eagle Bahn Gondola, Adventure Ridge serves as Vail’s dedicated mountaintop snow playground. Lit for evening operation, the complex allows non-skiers and families to experience the high alpine under the stars.
- Multi-Lane Tubing: High-speed banked tubing lanes serviced by an enclosed Magic Carpet lift. Tubes and helmets are provided.
- Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster: Sleds on raised steel rails that descend 3,400 feet through subalpine firs, with riders controlling their own speed via manual handbrakes.
- Ski Biking: Guided nighttime ski bike tours down gentle groomed trails with headlamps.
Village Ice Skating Plazas
Arrabelle Ice Rink (Vail Square)
Picturesque European-style open-air ice rink situated in the center of Lionshead Village. Surrounded by Bavarian architecture, fire pits, and hot chocolate kiosks.
Tips: Skate rentals and 75-minute public skating sessions available daily afternoon through 9:00 PM.
Solaris Plaza Ice Rink
Spacious ice rink set within the open Solaris development in Vail Village. Flanked by Matsuhisa, public art installations, and heated outdoor seating areas.
Tips: Rentals on-site; open daily through the winter season until 10:00 PM.
high-caliber Alpine Spas & Wellness
Vail Village and Lionshead house some of the most comprehensive mountain resort spas in North America, specializing in altitude acclimation treatments, hydrotherapy, and deep-tissue recovery.
Sonnenalp Spa
Indoor-outdoor heated swimming pool, tranquil riverfront hot tubs along Gore Creek, Finnish sauna, Turkish steam room, and signature arnica muscle recovery massage.
Tips: Appointments should be reserved 2 to 4 weeks in advance during winter; day passes included with any 50-minute scheduled service.
The Spa at Four Seasons Vail
Twelve treatment rooms, whirlpools with cascading waterfalls, eucalyptus steam rooms, and altitude recovery facials. Features complimentary heated poolside lounge service.
Tips: Essential; book 30 days prior for weekend time slots.
Culture & Winter Walking
- Colorado Snowsports Museum & Hall of Fame: Located in the Vail Village Transportation Center. Houses an irreplaceable collection of 10th Mountain Division artifacts, historic wooden skis, and Olympic memorabilia. Free admission (donations welcome).
- Betty Ford Alpine Gardens: The highest botanical garden in North America (8,200 ft). In winter, guided snowshoe tours and educational nature walks navigate through snow-covered evergreen groves and frozen alpine streams.
- Gore Creek Recreation Trail: Placed along the bubbling waters of Gore Creek, the paved and plowed multi-use trail offers miles of peaceful, scenic walking between Vail Village and East Vail.